Japanese Ambassador to Peru Kazuyuki Katayama paid a formal visit to the Peruvian Olympic Committee (COP) to meet with its President Pedro del Rosario and reiterate the Japanese Government's invitation to Peruvian athletes to participate in the upcoming Olympic Games slated for July next year.
The diplomat extended the good wishes of his country and that of the
Games' Organizing Committee, hoping that the pandemic will be under control so that the event can take place as scheduled, from July 23 to August 8 next year.
"It has been a very warm visit. We have received the message from the Japanese Government, and that encourages us to continue along the path, taking into account that many young people can pursue their efforts —but taking as much care as possible— keeping in mind their qualification," Del Rosario expressed.
"We are very grateful that the Ambassador was kind enough to stop his diplomatic duties and visit our Olympic Committee, which is also the home of all athletes," he added.
During the almost 45-minute talk, the COP head recalled the good moments at the
Lima 2019 Pan American Games, in which Peru grew a lot in terms of results, which even made
Panam Sports —the governing body of sports in the Americas— recognize COP as the fastest growing Olympic Committee in the continent over the past four years.
Del Rosario explained that Peruvian athletes have already qualified in the following categories: athletics (4 athletes), gymnastics (1), wrestling (1), surfing (2), shooting (3), cycling (1), and sailing (5).
"However, we hope that some 13 or 15 additional athletes will be able to qualify during the first months of 2021, once the international calendar resumes," he stated.
(END) NDP/JSO/RMB/MVB
Published: 11/23/2020